Once an apprentice in the same salon, Claire Blaszinski, is ecstatic to be celebrating her third year as the owner of The White House.

The former Castle Community pupil bought the business in Victoria Road three years ago, aged 22.

She said: “It was the best thing I ever did.”

To celebrate on Friday, the salon will be open from 9am until 7pm, with a variety of special offers available.

Everybody who walks through the door, to attend or book an appointment, will receive a free goody bag, a birthday cup cake and a £5 discount voucher for a future visit.

Mrs Blaszinski studied hair and beauty at Thanet College after leaving school at 16. She then became an apprentice at the same salon under previous owners and name, Zellair.

She said: “I always said the business would be mine one day.”

“A lot of people doubted me when I took it on, being only 22.

“But this was always a dream. You just have to believe in yourself.”

Mrs Blaszinski employs three hair stylists, Shelly Watkinson, Nicole Smith and Katie Flisher, beauty therapist Sophie Phillips and apprentice Amelia Sharp.

“I’d like to say thank you to my staff and clients, and my husband, Roger, for all of his support. The last three years have been a great experience.”

The salon is also running a competition to win one free treatment every month for a year, in aid of Mercury charity of the year Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Mrs Blaszinski said: “We’re going to raffle this amazing prize which is worth over £400. One strip costs £20 but that’s five chances.

“And it’s all for a great charity.”

The competition close on Friday, March 7.

To enter contact The White House on 01304 389922 or visit The White House, Deal Facebook page.